The Best Time to Visit Lhasa
Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, lies at 3,650 m and is known as the “City of Sunlight”. April to October is the main travel season, and May, June, September and October are the best months. July and August are the rainy season, but most rain falls at night. Winter is milder and sunnier than most people expect.
The sun is strong in every season, so use high-factor sunscreen all year. The temperature can change by 15 to 20°C between day and night. Rest on your first day and drink plenty of water to help you adjust to the altitude.
Lhasa by Season
Spring
April to May, about 5–20°C. One of the best seasons. Dry and breezy, with the first flowers. Domestic tourism picks up from the May Day holiday. Good light for photos of the Potala Palace.
Summer
June to August, about 10–23°C. The busiest season. Never hot. Rain falls mostly at night, so days are often sunny. The sun is strong, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
Autumn
September to October, about 3–20°C. One of the best seasons. Clear, dry air, deep blue skies and yellow trees along the Lhasa River. September is especially lovely. China’s National Day holiday, 1–7 October, has less effect on Lhasa than you might think, and after 7 October it becomes even quieter.
Winter
November to March, about −5 to 12°C. Cold nights, but mild sunny days and very few tourists. Many pilgrims come to Lhasa from the countryside in winter. Tibet is usually closed to foreign visitors for a few weeks around February and March, so check the dates before you plan.
Key Festivals in Lhasa
Losar (Tibetan New Year) — February or March
The most important festival of the year, with prayers, family visits and butter lamps. Lhasa fills with pilgrims in their best traditional clothes. Note that Tibet is often closed to foreign visitors around Losar.
Saga Dawa — May or June
The holiest month of the Tibetan calendar, celebrating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. Huge numbers of pilgrims walk the Lingkor and Barkhor pilgrim routes, and monasteries burn butter lamps day and night.
Shoton Festival — August
A giant thangka is unrolled on the hillside at Drepung Monastery at dawn, followed by Tibetan opera in the Norbulingka. One of the most colourful events of the year.
Packing tips for Lhasa: high-factor sunscreen, good sunglasses, lip balm, a light down jacket for the evenings and comfortable walking shoes. Sunburn happens much faster at altitude than at home.
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